The Recovery Club August 2011 Newsletter by Chris Squibb

1. NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2011
Dave Squibb – Liaison Officer
01726 862766
07914 040636 chrisdavesq@talktalk.net
Meeting 2nd August
Nine members at today’s very interesting meeting. John
Henry, our SLT, told us about several ideas that are being
considered at our ENT department. Mr Adcock is getting
involved with acupuncture treatments in order to help
patients with dry mouth problems. If this trial is successful
it will continue to be offered. Some of our members have
tried acupuncture over the years with varying degrees of success. Jacqui can refer anyone
interested in taking part in this trial.
If funding is available a dental hygienist may be included in the team at RCH. One of the nurses
on Wheal Coates ward is looking into the correlation of cancer and depression. Our group has, for
some time, been suggesting that help in both of these fields would improve patient recovery.
Jacqui is keen to start a pre-treatment clinic in order to explain the techniques involved. Several of
our members suggested they would be prepared to meet new patients in order to pass on tips
regarding coping with the after-effects of surgery and/or radio therapy. Jacqui’s Wednesday clinic
is still available to patients.
Some members told John that occasionally they feel overwhelmed at the number of people in the
consulting room on clinic visits. He will pass on our concerns.
Jane and Emma will shortly be returning from maternity leave. We look forward to seeing them
both again, but this means that John’s contract is coming to an end. We thanked him for
everything that he has done during his short time at RCH and for his interesting and informative
visits to our group. One of the things that John was keen to impress upon us was that we should
never feel that we are troubling staff. They are always happy to help.
During this meeting I read a text from Maggie apologising for not being able to attend due to her
not feeling well. We were all saddened to be told a few days later that her stomach-related cancer
has returned. She has begun a course of chemotherapy and has asked me to point out that this is
unrelated to her previous head and neck cancer. She is grateful for the support that she is getting
but please do not ring her at the moment. She will keep me informed and I will pass on
information on her behalf. Our thoughts and love are with her and her family.
Meeting 16th August
There were ten members present. I thanked the group for the birthday card recently received and
for reminding me that I am 70 years old!
Sue Ogilvy, who was to be our guest on 6th September is not able to be with
us. However, Jacqui has agreed to be our speaker when I am sure we will be
able to get more information on the new developments at ENT and to hear
about her adventures earlier in the year when her holiday cruise ship was
attacked by pirates!

2. Some of our members will be on holiday next month. Bill and Margaret are planning
to get away in their caravan to England; Joan is off to Wales and Geoff is globe-
trotting again for a month, returning for a few days for some dental treatment then
back out to the sun again for much of October.
We have been invited to take part in a joint meeting with SpeakEasy at Deveron Parish Centre on
Wednesday 14th September. They will be joined by some members of Plymouth Lary Club who
would like to discuss ideas, ‘pick brains’ and come up with some ideas in order to get their new
group up and running. The event will start at 12 noon and end about 4pm. Sandwiches and soup
will be provided, but of course they need to have some idea of numbers expected – so please let
me know asap if you can join us. Parking is possible on the road or transport can be organised
from Truro.
Our next social event is on 8th September to Bodmin – The Courtroom Experience in the morning,
lunch, then visit Bodmin Jail in the afternoon. The best and cheapest parking is in the football club
car park (opposite the Shire Hall and through the public car park). I would like to know numbers if
possible. I suggest we meet in the football club car park at 10.30am.
Please make a note in your diary for our day out in Bodmin on 8th September.
The plan is to ‘do’ ‘The courtroom experience’ which features a depiction of a
famous local murder trial, in the morning, lunch, perhaps in Wetherspoons at
the former Methodist Chapel building, then a tour of The Old Bodmin Jail.
Future dates
6th September Jacqui Williams
8th September Visit Bodmin jail
14th September Deveron Parish Centre – 12 noon
4th October Holistic Therapist Helen Pownell
1st November Sue Ogilvy
Please feel free to come to any of our meetings. We are always glad to meet new friends.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU COULD RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER VIA E-MAIL
RECOVERY CLUB MEETINGS
FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – 11am-12.30pm
COUNTY ARMS, TRURO